To See What They Could See and American Vista

By Theaster Gates

About

The artwork

Theaster Gates’s related friezes, To See What They Could See and American Vista, rework archival images from the Johnson Publishing Company to reflect the complexity of Black women’s lives in the 20th century. The photographs show the many overlapping roles they took on: public leadership, family life, labor, and cultural visibility. The works emerge from a long-term engagement with the Johnson Publishing archive, which Gates has restored and reactivated as part of his artistic and social practice.

Location: Forum | Hadiya Pendleton Atrium

The artist

Theaster Gates is an internationally recognized artist and urban planner whose work spans installation, sculpture, performance, and community development. Based in Chicago, his practice is rooted in the city’s South Side, where he brings together art, architecture, and civic life. Gates often works with reclaimed materials and collaborates with local communities, shaping projects that extend beyond the gallery into everyday spaces.

A photograph of Theaster Gates in his art studio. The background is dark. There is a brick wall to the right of Theaster. In front of the wall is a work cabinet and a large red installation. Theaster is sitting on a large wooden work table. Theaster has a medium deep skin tone and no hair. He has a gray, salt and pepper beard. He is wearing red rectangular glasses. His shirt is light colored, long sleeved. He is wearing blue jeans and dark shoes.

Explore More

  • Hear From Theaster Gates

    Tune into the Obama Presidential Center audio guide to hear artist Theaster Gates explain how his striking photographic frieze, To See What They Could See , draws from historic archives to celebrate the everyday beauty and political power of Black life.

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  • Our Neighborhood

    One of Theaster Gates’ most notable land art projects, Stony Island Arts Bank is a space for public exhibition and artistic programming less than a five minute drive from the Obama Presidential Center. Discover this and dozens of other cultural anchors, restaurants, shops, and activities in the neighborhood surrounding the Center.

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  • The Forum

    See Theater Gates’ art in the Forum, a community and civic space designed for people to learn, grow, and connect.

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